Master’s Degree in Spain

Spain is one of the most preferred destinations to study abroad for international students and one of the most visited European countries. The number of international students choosing to study in Spain has increased throughout the years, reaching almost 200,000 in recent years. Students wishing to pursue a master’s degree in Spain will find Spain a dynamic country of countless academic opportunities, outstanding student experience, plenty of sunshine, and affordability. 

Here’s everything you need to know about pursuing a master’s degree in Spain: 

What Master’s Degree Programs Can I Pursue in Spain?

Master’s degree programs are countless in Spain, regardless of your field of study. Spanish universities rank pretty highly in international university ranking sites, which means their bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are efficient enough to equip students with professional knowledge and skills. Whether you want to pursue a master’s program in the field of engineering, biomedicine, chemistry, economics, astrophysics, neuroscience, law, mathematics, and even literature, linguistics, journalism, or philosophy, you can find anything in Spain.

Some of the top universities in Spain you can pursue your master’s degree are:

  1. University of Barcelona
  2. Autonomous University of Barcelona
  3. Autonomous University of Madrid 
  4. Complutense University of Madrid
  5. University of Nevarra
  6. University Pompeu Fabra
  7. University Carlos III de Madrid
  8. Polytechnic University of Catalonia
  9. Polytechnic University of Valencia
  10. University of Zaragoza

These Spanish universities offer master’s and double master’s degrees. The master’s degree you wish to pursue depends on your area of academic interest and career goals. The higher education system in Spain provides plenty of opportunities to advance and gain more theoretical and practical knowledge.

Are There Master’s in Spain for International Students? 

There are plenty of Master’s in Spain for international students. Spain has numerous international universities that offer programs taught in English. Many of Spain’s public universities, such as the University of Barcelona, also offer master’s programs in English for international students. Spain’s higher education sector is a melting pot of cultures and diversity, due to the fact that almost 200,000 international students from around the world are currently pursuing their higher education in Spain. 

Master’s Programs in Spain Taught in English

Students from abroad and English-speaking students can find themselves quite at home in Spain. Students can choose from countless master’s programs in Spain taught in English. While there are plenty of master’s programs in Spain in English, some universities also offer bilingual education, where half the courses are taught in English and the other half in Spanish.

The University of Barcelona, for example, one of the biggest universities in Spain, lists the following master’s programs you can pursue in Spain, partially or entirely in English: 

  • Master’s Degree in International Business (100% in English; also offered at over ten other Spanish universities)
  • Master’s Degree in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling (100% in English)
  • Master’s Degree in Plant Biology, Genomics, and Biotechnology (100% in English)
  • Master’s Degree in the Fundamental Principles of Data Science (100% in English)
  • Master’s Degree in International Relations (100% in English)
  • Master Degree in Advanced Mathematics (100% in English)
  • Master’s Degree in Advanced Medical Skills (100% in English)
  • Master’s Degree in Business Research (55% Spanish, 45% English)
  • Master’s Degree in Financial and Actuarial Sciences (85% Spanish, 15% English)
  • Master’s Degree in Statistics and Operations Research (50% Spanish, 50% English)
  • Etc.

The Autonomous University of Madrid list the following master’s programs in Spain taught in English:

  • Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  • Master’s Degree in Biomolecules and Cell Dynamics
  • Master’s Degree in Biotechnology
  • Master’s Degree in Condensed Matter Physics and Biological Systems [Specialization in Biophysics / Specialization in Nanophysics]
  • Master’s Degree in Inland Water Quality Assessment
  • Master’s Degree in International Economics
  • Master’s Degree in Molecular Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
  • Master’s Degree in Formal Methods in Computer Science
  • Master’s Degree in English Applied Linguistics
  • Master’s Degree in Literary and Cultural Studies in Great Britain and Anglophone Countries: Literature, Culture, Communication and Translation
  • Master’s Degree in Pharmacological Research

Noted, there is a broad spectrum of master’s programs in Spain taught in English. Each university specifies their master’s degree programs’ language of instruction on their respective website. Depending on what program you might be interested in, you will likely find its English-taught counterpart in Spain. 

Can I Pursue a Master’s Degree Online in Spain?

Universities in Spain also offer online master’s degree programs you can pursue through distance education. An online master’s program in Spain is an excellent idea for as long as the program is accredited and you stay committed to classes and assignments. Spain online master’s degree programs usually take one to two years of full-time study to complete. Interested students can obtain online master’s degrees, graduate diplomas and specialisation courses in Spain. You can find online master’s programs at public as well as private universities in Spain. 

For example, the Autonomous University of Barcelona lists the following online master’s degrees:

  • Online Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Management
  • Online Master’s Degree in Enterprise Law
  • Online Master’s Degree in Medieval European Identity
  • Online Master’s Degree in Business and Institutional Communication
  • Online Master’s Degree in Digital Strategy and Creativity
  • Online Master’s Degree in Management of Public Relations and Communication Agencies
  • Online Master’s Degree in Journalism and Digital Communication
  • Online Master’s Degree in Communication and Education
  • Etc.

How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost in Spain?

The cost of master’s degrees in Spain is somewhere between €1,000 to €3,500 per year at public universities. Private universities have higher tuition fees, which can go up to €20,000 per year. The cost is calculated on a pay-per-credit basis. An academic year has approximately 60 ECTS credits. 

Generally, the cost of a master’s degree in Spain varies in price depending on the program, university, and, well, where you come from. International students typically pay higher tuition fees in Spain compared to domestic students. Regardless, the cost of studying for a master’s degree in Spain is still comparatively lower in comparison to many other famous study abroad destinations. 
Many students tend to work part-time during their studies to finance their degree, but they also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships granted by the Spanish Government, the respective Autonomous Community Government, or the respective university itself.